Society News – SMPS Website

Now and Next: January 2026

Linda Smolkin — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 20:53:21 +0000

In the middle of January, the Society’s volunteer leaders and staff members met at SMPS HQ in Alexandria, VA, for its board of directors meeting. Here are a few highlights from the meeting:

What’s Happening Now:

Strengthening Financial Stewardship and Governance: The board reviewed finance committee updates, key financial reports, and ongoing work related to investment and policy oversight, reinforcing SMPS’s commitment to strong fiscal stewardship and long-term sustainability.

Clarifying Membership Value for Firms and Individuals: The board focused on how SMPS clearly articulates its value, especially to firm leaders, through education, community, and chapter engagement, ensuring members understand the business impact of their involvement.

Supporting Chapter and Volunteer Health: Discussion centered on improving how HQ and chapters work together to support volunteers through clearer role alignment and more intentional engagement, strengthening the foundation of the chapter network.

Ensuring Education Reflects Business-Critical Needs: The board emphasized keeping SMPS education offerings relevant and responsive to the real-world skills firms and professionals need today.

What’s Happening Next:

Measuring Engagement and Impact More Meaningfully: The board will work with staff to define clearer engagement metrics that reflect outcomes and value, not just participation, supporting smarter decisions and clearer ROI.

Advancing Chapter Development Models: Future efforts will focus on refining chapter development pathways, including clearer support structures and sustainability planning to better serve members over time.

Strengthening Leadership and Volunteer Pipelines: The board will continue to assess leadership succession and follow-through from leadership programs to ensure continuity and alignment with strategic priorities.

Modernizing Learning and Certification Systems: SMPS will explore opportunities to evolve certification and learning systems, streamline content, and better align major programs to support long-term professional growth.

If you have any questions regarding these matters or the Society’s board meetings, please contact Marci D. Thompson, chief executive officer of SMPS and the SMPS Foundation, at marci@smps.org.

SMPS Now and Next: August 2025

Linda Smolkin — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:03:19 +0000

From August 27-29, 2025, the Society’s volunteer leaders and staff members met at SMPS HQ in Alexandria, VA, for a board of directors meeting. Here are a few highlights:

What’s Happening Now:

Solidifying the 2026 budget structure: The board engaged in thorough discussions on the draft 2026 budget, supported by a finance committee update and review of key financial indicators. This positions SMPS for fiscally informed decision-making into the next planning cycle.
Amplify A|E|C 2025 debrief and close-out: Leadership aligned on insights from the recent Amplify A|E|C event, including lessons learned and next steps for future iterations—a foundation for continuous event improvement and strategic programming.
Membership and platform enhancements with Impexium: Progress on the “re:Members/Impexium update” highlighted improvements in our member management systems and digital engagement capabilities, vital for enhanced service delivery and internal efficiencies.
Foundation momentum and operational insights: The SMPS Foundation provided an update on its initiatives, with Society-level reports offering clarity on KPI performance, membership insights, Fellows committee developments, and awards and recognition program updates.

What’s Happening Next:

Advance strategic priorities: AEC.AI, Pinnacle, and alliance partner engagement: Looking ahead, the SMPS board will explore future-forward initiatives including AEC.AI, The Pinnacle Experience, and expanded alliance partner strategies.
Amplify A|E|C 2030 and future meeting planning: With the 2025 debrief completed, planning is expected to shift toward long-range goals such as Amplify A|E|C 2030, in conjunction with schedule-setting for the October 2025 board meeting.

If you have any questions regarding these matters or the Society’s board meetings, please contact Marci D. Thompson, chief executive officer of SMPS and the SMPS Foundation, at marci@smps.org.

Meet the 2026 Leadership of SMPS

Devin Stubs — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:36:26 +0000

The Society for Marketing Professionals Services (SMPS) is grateful for the enthusiastic response to our invitation for members to serve on the SMPS and SMPS Foundation boards. We had a strong selection of applications which provided the Nominations and Elections Committee with a strong group of qualified individuals to consider.

In accordance with the SMPS bylaws, the Nominations and Elections Committee is pleased to present the slate of officers, directors, and trustees for the forthcoming 2026 fiscal year.

SMPS Board of Directors

President-Elect: Andrea Story, FSMPS, CPSM
Chief Marketing & Administrative Officer, R&M Consultants, Inc., SMPS Alaska (Term: January 1, 2026–December 31, 2026)
At-Large Director: Katelin Etoh, FSMPS, CPSM
Managing Partner, ZIGER|SNEAD ARHITECTS, SMPS Maryland
(Term: January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027)
Secretary-Treasurer: Adam Kilbourne, FSMPS, CPSM
President, Tec Inc. Engineering & Design, SMPS Northeast Ohio
(Term: January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027)

Four current directors will continue serving on the SMPS board in 2026, with Benjamin Sawa, FSMPS, CPSM, PMP, becoming president on January 1:

President: Benjamin Sawa, FSMPS, CPSM, PMP
Chief Development Officer, GEI Consultants, SMPS Boston
(Term: January 1, 2026–December 31, 2026)
Past-President: Dr. Paula Raymond Stamp, MBA, FSMPS, CPSM
CEO | Principal, Geaux Consulting Group, SMPS Los Angeles
(Term: January 1, 2026–December 31, 2026)
At-Large Director: Julie Huval, FSMPS, CPSM
Owner, Marketing Operations Advisor, SMPS North Texas
Term: January 1, 2026–December 31, 2026)
At-Large Director: Kimberly Ridenour, CPSM, MBA
Manager, Business Development, IKM Architecture, SMPS Pittsburgh
(Term: January 1, 2026–December 31, 2026)

SMPS Foundation Trustees

The following trustees will continue to serve on the SMPS Foundation board in 2026, with Sarah Kinard serving as president from January 1, 2026-December 31, 2026:

Robert Amponsah, EdD, MS, MBA
Assistant Dean, Special Projects
Vanderbilt University, College of Connected Computing
(Non-member trustee/January 1, 2026-December 31, 2027 (second term)
Sarah Kinard
Head Bird
The Flamingo Project
SMPS North Texas
January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027 (second term)
Kathryn Ness, CPSM
National Facilitator/Strategist
HNTB
SMPS Sacramento
January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027 (second term)
Michele Raftery, FSMPS, CPSM, WELL AP
Principal
4240 Architecture Inc.
SMPS Colorado
January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027 (third term)
Fawn Radmanich, FSMPS, CPSM
Strategic Pursuit Leader
Stantec
SMPS Los Angeles
January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027 (second term)
Charles (Chuck) Raymond, CPSM
Director of Communications
Weston & Sampson, Worcester
SMPS Boston
January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027 (third term)
Joy Woo, FSMPS, CPSM, LEED AP
Consultant/Life Coach
SMPS San Francisco
January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027 (third term)

The following individuals have been newly appointed to the SMPS Foundation board:

Stacy Ho, FSMPS, CPSM
Lead Operations Data Manager
Delve Underground
SMPS Oregon
January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027
Chris Martinez
Senior Marketing Manager
KW Landscape Architects
SMPS San Antonio
January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027

Serving as the SMPS board liaison to the Foundation:

At-Large Director: Julie Huval, FSMPS, CPSM
Owner
Marketing Operations Advisor
SMPS North Texas
January 1, 2026–December 31, 2026

The Society’s Digital Transition

Linda Smolkin — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:54:56 +0000

One month ago on June 16, SMPS transitioned to a new database system, and we wanted to give an update. At the Society, it’s not the first time we’ve flipped the script (and the switch!) to provide better tools and resources for our members.

While we always strive for seamless transitions, things don’t always go perfectly. Sometimes there are delays or processes that need fine-tuning. For some, this might sound familiar if your firm has gone through a software upgrade. Change leads to growth but it can, at times, be a little bumpy!

We appreciate your patience during the transition. As we type, we’re behind the scenes reviewing feedback, resolving issues, and improving the experience. To hear more detailed updates and ask questions about the digital transition, please join us for our August town hall.

In the meantime, we’ve received the following question, which might be helpful:

What’s the difference between MySMPS and My Profile (within the new system)?

MySMPS is your members-only community to view discussions, access the directory, watch on-demand learning labs, and read archived Marketer journals.
My Profile (in the new system) allows you to renew your membership, download or purchase publications, and register for SMPS HQ events.
The good news? It’s a single sign-on experience using the same username and password for both platforms.

Other questions? Please visit our FAQs page, which we update regularly, or reach out to membership@smps.org.

Thanks for being part of the SMPS community! We’re committed to supporting our members and delivering value through digital solutions.

SMPS Now and Next: June 2025

Linda Smolkin — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:23:10 +0000

From June 11-13, 2025, the Society’s volunteer leaders and staff members met in Portland, ME, for the board’s annual planning. Here are a few highlights from the meeting:

Strategic Planning Underway: The SMPS board officially kicked off the 2026–2029 strategic planning process, aligning around aspiration statements, key performance indicators (KPIs), and high-level strategies to elevate member value and engagement.
Advancing Amplify A|E|C: Planning is in full swing for Amplify A|E|C 2025 in Columbus, OH. The board reviewed program plans, the vision for an immersive Higher Learning Experience for attendees and voted on the Amplify A|E|C 2026 slate of volunteers.
Technology and Member Experience: An update on the technology rollout highlighted progress in enhancing our member database and digital infrastructure—laying the foundation for a more seamless user experience.
Foundation Momentum: The SMPS Foundation shared updates on research initiatives, new scholarship program opportunity through the ACE Mentor Program, and upcoming thought leadership publications supporting the A/E/C industry’s future.

If you have any questions regarding these matters or the Society’s board meetings, please contact Marci D. Thompson, chief executive officer of SMPS and the SMPS Foundation, at marci@smps.org.

New Online Experience

Linda Smolkin — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:18:29 +0000

Have you ever registered for an SMPS webinar or in-person event, downloaded a publication from the SMPS bookstore, or visited MySMPS? That means you have an account with SMPS HQ. On June 16, SMPS launched an updated online experience for logging in, which features a streamlined process and improved interface.

Why is SMPS updating its database? The current database served our operational needs for a decade. Its replacement affords SMPS members and nonmembers an upgraded experience and equips SMPS HQ staff and chapter leaders with superior tools to support our members.

When will the change take place and how can I prepare? The transition took place on June 16. You should have received an email on June 16 with instructions on how to set up your new account. Please note: If you had an account with SMPS prior to June 16, your current username and password will be new. Information is provided in the email on June 16. Once logged in, also note that your record number is your member number. CPSMs will need to provide this number to take advantage of member pricing.

How will this change impact me? Initially, your log-in details for the SMPS website will change. After account creation, you’ll access SMPS HQ products and services the same way using the new username and password. As a reminder, this change does not impact your chapter login as that will remain the same.

I have an SMPS account but didn’t receive the email on June 16 with the new log-in instructions. How do I establish my new account? If you didn’t receive the instructions, please email membership@smps.org with your request. Once that is complete on our end, you’ll create a new account and password as detailed in our response. Please allow SMPS 48 hours to respond to your email.

After creating a new account and logging in successfully, I still have questions. We’re here to help! To expedite support, please choose from the following and send us an email:

Membership join and renew: membership@smsp.org

Continuing education and professional development: knowledge@smps.org

General questions: info@smsp.org or chat support (smps.org > lower left-hand corner “Click here to chat with SMPS”)

SMPS Announces 2025 Class of Fellows

Devin Stubs — Mon, 12 May 2025 13:53:51 +0000

Alexandria, VA (May 12, 2025) − SMPS is pleased to announce the following members who have been named Fellows of the Society in 2025. SMPS Fellows represent the highest level of experience and leadership in marketing and business development within the A/E/C industry.

These professionals will serve as a resource at the chapter, regional, and Society levels to provide insight, ideas, programs, and mentoring. They also will be honored during Amplify A|E|C, the SMPS annual conference, this August in Columbus, OH. Be sure to register today!

Congratulations to the 2025 Class of SMPS Fellows:

Kim Castillo, FSMPS, CPSM
Director of Marketing & Business Development
Bowers + Kubota Consulting, Inc.
SMPS Hawaii

Jon Jaeger, FSMPS, CPSM
Marketing & Business Development Director
19six Architects
SMPS Inland Empire

Ryan Konst, P.E., FSMPS, CPSM
Executive Vice President
Schaefer
SMPS Kansas City

Julie Kost, FSMPS, CPSM
Marketing Manager | Associate
Schmidt Associates
SMPS Indiana

Bridget Kraus, FSMPS, CPSM
Vice President of Marketing
Walbec Group
SMPS Wisconsin

Jen McGovern, FSMPS, CPSM
Regional Capture Manager
VHB
SMPS Washington, D.C.

Vanessa Yust, FSMPS, CPSM
CMO
DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors
SMPS San Francisco

SMPS Joins the Engineering Workforce Consortium

Linda Smolkin — Thu, 08 May 2025 16:05:04 +0000

SMPS announces its membership in the Engineering Workforce Consortium (EWC), a national coalition formed to address the workforce shortage facing the engineering and public works industries. The EWC, originally established by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), is committed to attracting new talent, retaining existing professionals, and advocating for industry growth and sustainability.

At a recent meeting, attendees called for modern, interdisciplinary engineering curricula and stronger mentorship opportunities to better align education with real-world needs. As a new member of EWC, SMPS brings a unique perspective to the group to collaborate and share ideas. The Society’s mission and vision align with EWC goals and will help to strengthen efforts and prepare the next generation of professionals. In the weeks ahead, consortium members will distill insights shared during a recent workshop, make recommendations, and develop an action plan.

Dedicated to advancing marketing and business development within the A/E/C industry, SMPS plans to contribute to workforce development initiatives. “We’re honored to join this critical effort to collaborate with consortium partners to build a thriving future for engineers and leaders of tomorrow,” states Marci D. Thompson, CEO of SMPS and the SMPS Foundation.

For more information about EWC and its new members, visit the ACEC website.

SMPS To Acquire ElevateHER From Zweig Group

Linda Smolkin — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:00:38 +0000

Ushering in a New Era of Growth and Impact

SMPS is proud to announce the acquisition of ElevateHER® from Zweig Group—a strategic move that underscores a shared commitment to ensuring a sustainable workforce and improving the human experience in the A/E/C industry.

Since its founding by Zweig Group in 2019, ElevateHER has emerged as an impactful initiative dedicated to tackling the talent crisis in the A/E/C industry. By addressing workforce sustainability through comprehensive turnkey solutions, the program has provided firms with frameworks and tools to help them attract, retain, and advance top talent. For the next phase of impact, Zweig Group identified SMPS as a robust organization that brings the reach, resources, and infrastructure to propel ElevateHER forward.

This is a pivotal moment for SMPS and the A/E/C industry,” said Marci D. Thompson, CEO of SMPS and the SMPS Foundation. “Transforming business begins with people. Developing talent, fostering belonging, and investing in potential are not just value, they’re imperatives. ElevateHER® aligns seamlessly with our mission, and we’re honored to build upon the incredible foundation laid by Zweig Group.”

Both organizations are committed to a collaborative transition process that safeguards the legacy of ElevateHER while ushering it into its next phase of impact. Under SMPS’s stewardship, the program will expand its reach and resources, evolving into its most influential chapter yet.

“ElevateHER has outgrown its beginnings in the best way possible,” said Chad Clinehens, CEO of Zweig Group. “What started as a call to action has become a movement, and we believe SMPS is uniquely positioned to take it to the next level. This transition isn’t just about continuing the work—it’s about amplifying it.”

Beyond this acquisition, SMPS and Zweig Group view this collaboration as the foundation for a broader, ongoing partnership—one dedicated to elevating talent, fostering innovation, and strengthening the business of A/E/C.

About ElevateHER
Founded by Zweig Group in 2019, ElevateHER® is about the future of the A/E/C industry. It is Zweig Group’s commitment to address the recruitment and retention crisis of our industry through the lens of DEI&B (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), with a focus on comprehensive data and research, accessible resources, and an engaged community.

About SMPS
SMPS is a community of marketing and business development professionals working to advance the A/E/C industry. Through educational resources, networking, and industry research, SMPS helps firms and individuals grow their impact and career potential. The SMPS Foundation supports workforce development initiatives and provides insights that drive the future of the industry.

About Zweig Group
Zweig Group, four times on the Inc. 500/5000 list, is the industry leader and premiere authority in A/E/C firm management and marketing, the go-to source for data and research, and the leading provider of customized learning and training. Zweig Group exists to help A/E/C firms succeed in a complicated and challenging marketplace through services that include Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Planning, Valuation, Executive Search, Board of Director Services, Ownership Transition, Marketing & Branding, and Business Development Training. The firm has offices in Dallas, TX, and Fayetteville, AR.

SMPS and the ACE Mentor Program Partner To Promote Workforce Development in the A/E/C Industry

Linda Smolkin — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:00:22 +0000

SMPS and the ACE Mentor Program of America (ACE) announce their partnership to workforce development within the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry. This collaboration strengthens both organizations’ efforts to inspire and support the next generation of industry leaders.

Through this partnership, ACE and SMPS will work together to foster engagement between their respective affiliates and chapters nationwide. Both organizations will encourage local collaboration, co-host programming, and increase visibility for each other’s initiatives. ACE and SMPS will also promote industry career pathways for students by sharing resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs.

“This partnership with SMPS is an exciting step forward in our mission to connect students with the A/E/C industry. By working together, we can amplify our efforts to create more opportunities for the next generation of professionals,” said Diana Eidenshink, President of the ACE Mentor Program of America.

“At SMPS, we believe that investing in the future of the A/E/C industry starts with empowering future leaders. Our partnership with ACE Mentor Program of America allows us to bridge the gap between aspiring professionals and the industry leaders who can guide them. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected workforce that will drive innovation and success for years to come,” said Dr. Paula Raymond Stamp, MBA, FSMPS, CPSM, SMPS Society President.

For more information about ACE, visit acementor.org and follow them on social media.

About ACE Mentor Program of America (ACE)

Founded in 1994, the ACE Mentor Program of America is a no-cost, after-school program that prioritizes workforce development for high school students by connecting them with professionals in the design and construction industry. With a strong focus on mentorship and career exploration, ACE plays a crucial role in preparing students for success in the A/E/C fields.

About the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)

SMPS is a community of marketing and business development professionals working to advance the A/E/C industry. Through educational resources, networking, and industry research, SMPS helps firms and individuals grow their impact and career potential. The SMPS Foundation supports workforce development initiatives and provides insights that drive the future of the industry.